Gemma Pattison, BACP
Practical, person-centred counselling for life changes
Continue with Gemma
Opens BetterHelp in a new tab, where you can review online therapy options.
- Person-centred focus
- Practical coping tools
- Remote session options
About Gemma
Gemma Pattison is a counsellor practising in the United Kingdom with eight years' experience in counselling roles. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, low mood and relationship difficulties, and she also supports those dealing with bereavement, trauma and different forms of abuse. Gemma frames clients as the experts in their own lives and prioritises a respectful, non-judgemental working relationship.
She describes her main way of working as person-centred, which means sessions focus on the client's perspective and pace. Gemma also blends other approaches where useful, tailoring simple tools to suit each person's needs. Sessions are conversational and practical, with space to reflect and to try out new ways of coping.
Clients can expect an open, warm tone and straightforward help with everyday problems. Gemma aims to make the first steps feel manageable and to normalise the nerves that come with starting therapy. She invites people to take their time and to set the agenda for what they want to address.
Over the years Gemma has helped people with a wide range of concerns beyond mood and stress, including parenting strain, work-related burnout, intimacy questions, addiction-related worries and ADHD-related challenges. Her approach is to look at what matters most to each person and to work from there rather than imposing a fixed plan.
Gemma offers sessions remotely and responds proactively to messages between meetings. She encourages anyone unsure about therapy to begin with a short matching questionnaire and a simple scheduling step to see how it feels.
She describes her main way of working as person-centred, which means sessions focus on the client's perspective and pace. Gemma also blends other approaches where useful, tailoring simple tools to suit each person's needs. Sessions are conversational and practical, with space to reflect and to try out new ways of coping.
Clients can expect an open, warm tone and straightforward help with everyday problems. Gemma aims to make the first steps feel manageable and to normalise the nerves that come with starting therapy. She invites people to take their time and to set the agenda for what they want to address.
Over the years Gemma has helped people with a wide range of concerns beyond mood and stress, including parenting strain, work-related burnout, intimacy questions, addiction-related worries and ADHD-related challenges. Her approach is to look at what matters most to each person and to work from there rather than imposing a fixed plan.
Gemma offers sessions remotely and responds proactively to messages between meetings. She encourages anyone unsure about therapy to begin with a short matching questionnaire and a simple scheduling step to see how it feels.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
8+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current feelings and expectations. In online sessions this work helps people notice patterns in close relationships and practice different ways of relating to others.Client-Centred Therapy puts the person's experience at the heart of the session. The therapist listens without judging, reflects what is said and helps the client lead the pace and topics of work, which suits conversations about identity, stress and relationship concerns.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and offers small, practical steps to try between sessions. It can be useful for anxiety, low mood and sleep difficulties.
Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about their goals and preferences, try a method for a while, and adapt based on what helps. That way the work can change as needs change.
If you are considering remote therapy please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are set by the therapist. Online counselling can make scheduling easier, reduce travel time and allow short check-ins between meetings. Some people prefer phone calls when video feels tiring, while others find video helps maintain a familiar face-to-face rhythm. These practical choices are discussed together to fit therapy into everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Gemma usually help with?
Gemma supports people facing stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, trauma and various forms of abuse. She also works with concerns like parenting strain, addiction, grief and ADHD-related challenges.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her practice is predominantly person-centred, providing a non-judgemental space to talk. She can also integrate other approaches and practical tools to suit individual needs.
How much experience does she have?
She has eight years' professional experience working in counselling roles in the UK.
What credentials and location should I know about?
She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP, and is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can I attend sessions from outside the UK?
She accepts international clients; confirm any time zone or scheduling details when you book.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.